2010 Suzuki Kizashi SLS AWD - Four Seasons Update - January 2011

Winter storms continue to sock most of the Midwestern United States, but they haven't stopped our Four Seasons Suzuki Kizashi from accumulating additional mileage.

All-wheel-drive and heated front seats certainly help make the little Suzuki a favorite pick during winter's worst, but a new set of winter tires help further the Kizashi's prowess in the snow. We threw on a set of Yokohama Ice Guard iG20 235/45R18 tires -- and, from what it seems, not a moment too soon.

"Nearly 27,000 miles of driving have taken their toll on the [stock] Dunlop all-season tires," notes senior Web editor Phil Floraday. "There wasn't enough tread left to grip the road very well, and the recent pilings of snow and ice made for a scary ride home from Chicago as I tried to outrun an impending snow storm."

Apart from the snow tires, our Kizashi hasn't needed much maintenance. We did, however, send it in for its factory recommended service once the odometer rolled past the 25,000-mile mark. Our dealer changed the oil and oil filter, and also replaced both intake and in-cabin air filters. He also performed two repairs tied to recall campaigns: one regarding the center console lid handle, another involving a reflash of the CVT's control module. Still, we're impressed with how little attention the Suzuki has required despite its logging just over 30,000 miles in under a year. In fact, the car largely feels as solid as it did on day one.

Associate web editor Donny Nordlicht was impressed with the Kizashi during a recent trip to New York City, noting that it exhibits "a high level of build quality, and Germanic-like driving manners."

"After a quick winter cleaning, the Kizashi's cream leather interior looks nearly as nice as it did when new, and sounds that way too," says road test coordinator Mike Ofiara, noting the car is devoid of the squeaks and rattles. "Indeed, the Kizashi seems to be providing all the quality we expect of the big Japanese brands. Let's hope that when Volkswagen managers strut arrogantly through Suzuki's manufacturing plants, they take time to observe and learn a few things."

Toyota is currently recalling around 2.3 million vehicles for possible unintended acceleration, and, according to an Automotive News report, an investigation regarding “unintended veering” of 2009-10 Toyota Corollas may soon begin.